Below is an annotated list of children's literature for the elementary classroom. The books are organized by the Six Elements of Social Justice Curriculum Design (Picower, 2007). It is based on work by pre-service teachers at Montclair State University. They have read and reviewed these books and provided insights into how they can be used in K-5 settings.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

What Does It Mean To Be Global?

Summary:What Does It Mean To Be Global captures the thoughts of children and their curiosity about the world
in which they live. With a grade level appropriate for preschool through
second grade, this book can be used with parents and teachers to explain the
diverse world we live in and how to appreciate what it stands for.Factors such as language, music and food are
noted and how each person has a special place in the world. It also
depicts how everyone should take the time out to appreciate other religions and
offering respect to people who may hold different values.Element #2 Respect for Others:Respect
for Others is demonstrated throughout this text in a way that is easily
depicted through simple sentences and illustrations.This element details the respect for diversity
through learning from peers.What
Does It Mean To Be Global deconstructs this concept down to the curiosity
that children have about various parts of the world.The ability to recognize languages, music and
places near and far, demonstrates the ability and understanding to appreciate
the differences.Taking various
religions, traditions, and experiences result in how people interact in a positive
way.This text details the meaning of a
global world and how community, traditions, cultures, and values make up the
diverse world.Although the book is
simple in words and pictures, it allows an open door for conversation and
development. Activity:As an activity to follow-up reading this text in a second
grade class; students would be introduced specifically to various musical
opportunities.In conjunction to working
in the classroom, students would work in their music special to learn more
about the history of music and where cultures gained their tunes. With the assistance of the teacher and
parents, students would research culture specific music to themselves and their
families.With the new knowledge,
students will gain an understanding as to who, what, when and where this music
is performed.Songs would be played in
class as a celebration of learning and opportunity to hear from every student.